'Fish Ebola' found in Lake Michigan

A deadly fish virus sometimes known as "fish Ebola" has been found in southern Lake Michigan and an Ohio reservoir, and authorities fear it could spread to the Mississippi River, the Washington Post reports.

The condition is known as VHS for viral hemorrhagic septicemia. It makes fish lethargic and anemic, and hemorrhages are often apparent on the eyes, gills, skin and at the base of fins.

As the Post notes in its report on the lethal fish virus:

The virus usually attacks saltwater fish off the coasts of Europe, Japan and North America. It was first found in the Great Lakes in 2005. Officials say it was probably transported in the ballast water of the oceangoing freighters that enter the lakes through the St. Lawrence Seaway. In 2005 and 2006, the virus caused major fish kills in Lake Ontario, Lake Huron, Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair.

State and federal officials took immediate steps -- such as banning the transport of fish and bait among lakes and requiring the cleaning of boats and fishing equipment -- that limited the spread of the virus. But the virus detection in Wisconsin, Illinois and Ohio is of particular concern, as it hasn't been seen in those areas before and all are routes to the Mississippi River.

Comments

[Brien Comerford]

The best reason for not eating fish is moral and ethical. The fact that the hapless creatures are victime of illness, pollution and toxins is also compelling. Spare the fish and let's make their habitats more pristine.